Put the Russian's in and see what you think. It's system synergy that we all search for with all of our equipment/part choices.
What works for you may not be good for someone else.
Consider tubes in audio like spices in cooking. Different tubes will give you a different "flavor".
Is that "flavor" good, better, or bad? That is a subjective choice.
I would suggest, that as your budget allows, buy a replacement set of tubes that you are interested in trying. See if you like them. If so, great. If not you can always sell them and recover most of your original purchase price.
I have a very extensive collection of tubes and can tell you that even within the same family I.E. GE, RCA, ETC, there are many differences in sound.
Depending on what flavor you are searching for will determine your choice.
Most of all, have fun with it and trust YOUR ears.
What works for you may not be good for someone else.
Consider tubes in audio like spices in cooking. Different tubes will give you a different "flavor".
Is that "flavor" good, better, or bad? That is a subjective choice.
I would suggest, that as your budget allows, buy a replacement set of tubes that you are interested in trying. See if you like them. If so, great. If not you can always sell them and recover most of your original purchase price.
I have a very extensive collection of tubes and can tell you that even within the same family I.E. GE, RCA, ETC, there are many differences in sound.
Depending on what flavor you are searching for will determine your choice.
Most of all, have fun with it and trust YOUR ears.